How to Stop Worrying and Being Anxious

Updated on March 7, 2014

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Everyone has dealt with worry at some point. Some worry more than others. Some of things we worry about include our love life, health, appearance, safety, job security and school. Really, the list goes on.

The Problem with Worrying

Worrying is not healthy for anyone. It's linked to stress, and even at its mildest, worry is a form of anxiety due to some kind of uncertainty. When people worry, they put their focus on the unknown outcome and it causes a sense of unease. The moment we engage in worry, we are robbed of a little peace of mind. The more we worry, the less peace we will experience.

Similar to how fear is an opposite of courage, I believe that worrying is the opposite of faith. Faith believes in something we do not see right now, and trust is fully relying on something. So as we dwell on a problem and start to wander about the result, faith and trust go out the window.

Some may say that the worrying a bit can be a good thing or natural response to an issue because such questioning can lead to problem solving. However, becoming aware of a problem and expressing concern is not the same thing as worrying. The key is not to dwell or meditate on the situation or uncertain outcome.

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When We Don't Know

Drawing your attention to what you don't know is a major contributor of negative thinking and initiates the very act of worrying. Here are some general examples of ways people tend to focus on the uncertainties of everyday life.

I don’t know what I’m going to do/say or where to go.

I don’t know what is going to happen or how things are going to turn out.

I don’t know how I'm going to do xyz.

I don’t know how they will react.

It’s okay not to know everything. When we think to ourselves, I don’t know…put your faith and trust in the One who does.

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Worrying is troubling and unnecessary. I look back on instances when I became worried. Worry was a complete waste of time and energy. What if questions circled around my mind. Because I didn't know what could happen, I started playing out various possible scenarios. I became susceptible to negative thinking. The truth is that my worrying had no impact on the solution or outcome whatsoever. The only thing it impacted was my composure. The truth is, the moments we spend worrying encourage feelings of fear, doubt and indecisiveness. They entrap positive thinking, self-confidence and belief.

Worry LESS = More Peace

Yes, worrying less will yield more peace of mind. Here are three things that you may want to keep in mind when trying to create a worry free zone for yourself.

1. Stay in the Present

Today, this minute and right now...stay in it. Let tomorrow be tomorrow. This moment is this moment. Don't slip into wondering about what may happen next or how things could get worse (something you don't know).

2. Don’t Dwell on the Problem

The more attention you give to a thought, the bigger it becomes in your mind. If dwelling on a current issue doesn't help, then why bother worrying about it? It's not that you want take a situation lightly, but instead, chose not to highlight and magnify it.

3. Put Faith in Front of Worry

When you are full of faith, there's no room for worrying. You don't look for perfection, but just believe that all things will work out even in the mist of uncertainty. You also know that you are not alone. Remain hopeful and practice being overall positive.